Method and system for a companion autonomous vehicle

ABSTRACT

A method and system for providing a companion autonomous vehicle are described. In one embodiment, a method includes linking a companion autonomous vehicle to at least one vehicle, device, or user. The companion autonomous vehicle is tethered to the at least one vehicle, device, or user such that the companion autonomous vehicle is configured to stay within a predetermined range of the at least one vehicle, device, or user. The method further includes operating the companion autonomous vehicle to travel along with the tethered at least one vehicle, device, or user within the predetermined range.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DISCLOSURES

This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/572,755filed on Sep. 17, 2019 and titled “Method and System for Providing AnEquipped Autonomous Vehicle to a Destination”, which application is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/395,617 filed onApr. 26, 2019 and titled “Method and System for Providing An EquippedAutonomous Vehicle to a Destination,” the disclosures of whichapplications are incorporated in their entirety into this disclosure byreference.

BACKGROUND

The embodiments relate generally to autonomous vehicles, and inparticular to a method and system for providing a companion autonomousvehicle.

Many types of outdoor activities can include specialized equipment. Thisequipment can be used a few times a year and is usually kept in storage.Participants of outdoor activities can plan for storing, maintaining,and transporting this specialized equipment to a desired destinationwhere it is to be used. Participants who enjoy a variety of outdooractivities can store, maintain, and/or transport large quantities ofdifferent specialized equipment for each outdoor activity. Additionally,participants can take care of returning and cleaning the equipment froma destination after a trip has ended.

SUMMARY

The techniques of the present embodiments described herein provide amethod and system for providing a companion autonomous vehicle.

In one aspect, a method for providing a companion autonomous vehicle isprovided. The method includes linking a companion autonomous vehicle toat least one vehicle, device, or user. The companion autonomous vehicleis tethered to the at least one vehicle, device, or user such that thecompanion autonomous vehicle is configured to stay within apredetermined range of the at least one vehicle, device, or user. Themethod further includes operating the companion autonomous vehicle totravel along with the tethered at least one vehicle, device, or userwithin the predetermined range.

In another aspect, a method for providing services by a companionautonomous vehicle at a location is provided. The method includesproviding at least one companion autonomous vehicle to travel to alocation. The method also includes equipping the at least one companionautonomous vehicle with a cellular communication component to allow theat least one companion autonomous vehicle to communicate using acellular communication network. The method further includes providing atleast one of a point-of-sale interface or an emergency servicesinterface on the at least one companion autonomous vehicle that uses thecellular communication component to communicate over the cellularcommunication network.

In another aspect, a companion autonomous vehicle is provided. Thecompanion autonomous vehicle includes an autonomous driving systemincluding steering and propulsion capabilities, a communicationinterface including at least one component for providing wirelesscommunication, and a suite of sensors including one or more of a camera,a LIDAR sensor, or a global positioning system (GPS) sensor. Thecompanion autonomous vehicle further includes a processor incommunication with at least the autonomous driving system, thecommunication interface, and the suite of sensors. The processor isconfigured to link the companion autonomous vehicle to at least onevehicle, device, or user via the communication interface. The companionautonomous vehicle is tethered to the at least one vehicle, device, oruser such that the companion autonomous vehicle is configured to staywithin a predetermined range of the at least one vehicle, device, oruser. The processor is further configured to operate the companionautonomous vehicle using the autonomous driving system and the suite ofsensors to travel along with the tethered at least one vehicle, device,or user within the predetermined range.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the exemplaryembodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skillin the art upon examination of the following figures and detaileddescription. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods,features and advantages be included within this description and thissummary, be within the scope and protected by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary embodiments can be better understood with reference to thefollowing drawings and description. The components in the figures arenot necessarily to scale. Moreover, in the figures, like referencenumerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an example embodiment of a system forproviding an equipped autonomous vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an example embodiment of a user interfacefor requesting an equipped autonomous vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a representative view of example embodiments of sets ofequipment associated with different activities;

FIG. 4 is a representative view of an example embodiment of a method forproviding an equipped autonomous vehicle to a destination;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an example embodiment of an equippedautonomous vehicle with a set of equipment at a destination;

FIG. 6 is a representative view of an example embodiment of a method ofreturning an equipped autonomous vehicle from a destination;

FIG. 7 is a representative view of an alternate embodiment of a methodof providing an equipped autonomous vehicle to a destination;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example embodiment of a method for providingan equipped autonomous vehicle to a destination;

FIG. 9 is a representative view of an example embodiment of a companionautonomous vehicle tethered to a vehicle;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example embodiment of a companionautonomous vehicle;

FIG. 11 is a representative view of an example embodiment of a companionautonomous vehicle providing wireless charging to an electric vehicle;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an example embodiment of a companionautonomous vehicle with a point-of-sale feature;

FIG. 13 is a representative view of an example embodiment of a companionautonomous vehicle tethered to a user; and

FIG. 14 a schematic view of an example embodiment of a companionautonomous vehicle at a campsite.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The example embodiments described herein provide a method and system forproviding an equipped autonomous vehicle to a destination based on arequest from a user. The techniques described herein allow users toenjoy a variety of outdoor activities without needing to worry aboutpurchasing, storing, maintaining, and/or transporting specializedequipment for the outdoor activities to the user's desired destinationwhere the equipment is to be used. A user merely needs to travel to thedestination where the equipped autonomous vehicle will meet the userwith the appropriate equipment for the selected outdoor activities. Oncethe user is finished, the equipment is placed back into the equippedautonomous vehicle, which returns to a service center to be readied forthe next user.

The example embodiments described herein further provide a method andsystem for a companion autonomous vehicle. The companion autonomousvehicle can be virtually tethered to another vehicle, a device, or auser to follow or scout ahead of the vehicle, device, or user. Thecompanion autonomous vehicle can provide additional or supplementalfunctionality or services to a vehicle, device, or user, as describedherein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system 100for providing an equipped autonomous vehicle. In an example embodiment,system 100 can include an equipped autonomous vehicle service provider110 and a plurality of autonomous vehicles 120. Equipped autonomousvehicle service provider 110 can include hardware, software, andcomponents that are configured to communicate with a plurality ofautonomous vehicles 120 and one more users 130 requesting equippedautonomous vehicles.

In this embodiment, equipped autonomous vehicle service provider 110 caninclude a processor 112 that is in communication with at least a userinterface 114, a communication interface 116, and an equipment database118. In some embodiments, equipped autonomous vehicle service provider110 can include other components not shown in FIG. 1 to facilitatereceiving requests from users, determining equipment for selectedactivities, and instructing plurality of autonomous vehicles 120 totravel to particular destinations according to the example embodimentsdescribed herein.

In some embodiments, user interface 114 is configured to allow one ormore users 130 to contact and communicate with equipped autonomousvehicle service provider 110. For example, in one embodiment, userinterface 114 can interact with users 130 through an application (e.g.,mobile app) or website. Communication interface 116 is configured toallow equipped autonomous vehicle service provider 110 to communicatewith one or more autonomous vehicles of plurality of autonomous vehicles120. For example, in one embodiment, communication interface 116 can bea wireless transceiver that transmits signals (e.g., commands, messages,information, etc.) to one or more autonomous vehicles of plurality ofautonomous vehicles 120 and also receives signals from one or moreautonomous vehicles of plurality of autonomous vehicles 120.

In this embodiment, plurality of autonomous vehicles 120 can include afirst autonomous vehicle 122, a second autonomous vehicle 124, and athird autonomous vehicle 126. FIG. 1 illustrates three autonomousvehicles for the purpose of explanation, however, it should beunderstood that equipped autonomous vehicle service provider 110 can beconfigured to communicate with any number of autonomous vehicles. Forexample, in some embodiments, equipped autonomous vehicle serviceprovider 110 can be configured to communicate with a fleet of autonomousvehicles, which can be located in different geographic locations. Inthis manner, equipped autonomous vehicle service provider 110 can beable to provide equipped autonomous vehicles to users (e.g., users 130)for destinations that are located across a large portion of a geographicarea.

In some embodiments, equipment database 118 can include various sets ofequipment that are associated with different activities. In an exampleembodiment, each activity can be matched or correlated with a specificset of equipment for that activity. Equipped autonomous vehicle serviceprovider 110 can provide a list of each piece of equipment within a setof equipment to a user based on the user's selection of an activity tobe performed or conducted at the user's destination. For example, basedon a user's selected activity, a default set of equipment can beprovided to the user that is specific to that activity and the user canchoose from the various pieces of equipment in the set of equipment. Insome embodiments, the user can also request particular items or piecesof equipment for an activity that can not be included in the set ofequipment associated with that activity in equipment database 118.

In an example embodiment, the user's selected activity is an outdooractivity and the associated sets of equipment are related to the outdooractivity. For example, an outdoor activity can include one or more ofcamping, hiking, fishing, climbing, kayaking, snorkeling, skiing,hunting, tailgating, picnicking, or cycling. In other embodiments, otheractivities can also be selected by a user. For example, other activitiescan include parties, moving, holiday events, etc.

In some embodiments, equipment database 118 can include otherinformation, including, but not limited to: information associated witha user (e.g., name, address, billing information, preferences, equipmentor clothing sizes, other personal information, etc.), informationassociated with one or more autonomous vehicles of plurality ofautonomous vehicles 120 (e.g., vehicle ID, capacity, location, status oravailability, capabilities, etc.), routing or navigation information(e.g., for instructing equipped autonomous vehicles to travel toparticular destinations, waypoints, or service centers, etc.), and/orother information that can be used by equipped autonomous vehicleservice provider 110.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , an example embodiment of a user interface 200for requesting an equipped autonomous vehicle is shown. As describedabove, in some embodiments, a user (e.g., one or more of users 130) caninteract with user interface 114 at equipped autonomous vehicle serviceprovider 110, which can be a mobile app or website. In an exampleembodiment, user interface 200 is provided on the user-side to allow theuser to provide information to user interface 114 of equipped autonomousvehicle service provider 110. For example, user interface 200 can beprovided through a user's mobile telephone, tablet, computer, or otherdevice to allow the user to enter relevant information associated with arequest for an equipped autonomous vehicle to a destination fromequipped autonomous vehicle service provider 110.

In this embodiment, user interface 200 can include a number of fields torequest information from the user about the request for the equippedautonomous vehicle. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , user interface 200can include a data/time field 202 for information associated with thedate(s) and time(s) that the user would like to request the equippedautonomous vehicle. User interface 200 can include a destination field204 for information associated with a destination for the request and anactivities field 206 for information associated with one or moreactivities for which the user would like to have equipment provided withthe autonomous vehicle. Additionally, user interface 200 can includeother fields, including, for example, a participants field 208 forinformation about a number of participants for the activities (e.g., theactivities selected in activities field 206) and an options field 210for other information that the user provides to equipped autonomousvehicle service provider 110 about the request, for example, additionalequipment, clothing or equipment sizes, user preferences, etc.

Each field in user interface 200 can include a corresponding data entryarea so that the user can enter the requested information. In someembodiments, the data entry area can be in the form of a drop down menupopulated with predefined selections or can be a calendar, for example,in the case of date/time field 202, or other optional selectionmechanism. Once the user has provided the information requested infields 202, 204, 206, 208, and/or 210 via user interface 200, therequest can be provided to equipped autonomous vehicle service provider110. For example, as described above, equipped autonomous vehicleservice provider 110 can receive the request sent by the user from userinterface 200 via user interface 114.

Based on the request from the user, equipped autonomous vehicle serviceprovider 110 determines at least one set of equipment for the activityor activities selected by the user in the request. Referring now to FIG.3 , example embodiments of sets of equipment associated with differentactivities are illustrated. In some embodiments, each activity can beassociated with a default or predetermined set of equipment that isspecific to that activity. Users can select particular equipment fromthe set of equipment and can modify, change, replace, remove, or addequipment based on the user's own preferences or needs.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , a first activity 300 can be associatedwith a first set of equipment 302. In this embodiment, first activity300 is camping and first set of equipment 302 can include a tent 304, anaxe 306, and a sleeping bag 308. A second activity 310 can be associatedwith a second set of equipment 312 that is different than first set ofequipment 302 and is specific to second activity 310. In thisembodiment, second activity 310 is fishing and second set of equipment312 can include a fishing pole 314, a pair of waders 316, and a tacklebox 318. Similarly, a third activity 320 can be associated with a thirdset of equipment 322 that is different than first set of equipment 302and second set of equipment 312 and is specific to third activity 320.In this embodiment, third activity 320 is snow skiing and third set ofequipment 322 can include a pair of skis and poles 324, a pair of skiboots 326, and ski goggles 328.

In an example embodiment, each set of equipment 302, 312, 322 associatedwith each activity 300, 310, 320 can be stored in equipment database 118at equipped autonomous vehicle service provider 110, as described above.It should be understood that the activities and associated sets ofequipment shown in FIG. 3 are merely exemplary and additional ordifferent activities and/or equipment can be provided to a user for aselected activity.

Additionally, a user can request sets of equipment for multipleactivities and/or multiple participants. For example, in cases where auser's request indicates that multiple participants will beparticipating in first activity 300 (e.g., camping), equipped autonomousvehicle service provider 110 can include multiple pieces of equipment inthe sets of equipment to reflect the number of participants, such asmultiple sleeping bags 308 and/or a larger tent size for tent 304.Similarly, other modifications to the number and/or types of pieces ofequipment for each set of equipment associated with a particularactivity can be made based on the number of participants or otherprovided information accompanying the user's request to equippedautonomous vehicle service provider 110.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , an example embodiment of a method forproviding an equipped autonomous vehicle to a destination isillustrated. As described above, in some embodiments, a user can requestan equipped autonomous vehicle from a service provider (e.g., equippedautonomous vehicle service provider 110) that can include equipment forone or more activities at a destination selected by the user. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 4 , user 130 has requested an equippedautonomous vehicle to meet user 130 at a destination 400. In response tothe request from user 130, equipped autonomous vehicle service provider110 has instructed first autonomous vehicle 122 to travel to destination400.

In this embodiment, destination 400 is a campground. Accordingly, user130 can include with the request information about one or moreactivities to be performed at destination 400. For example, user 130 canhave indicated camping as a selected activity for destination 400.According to the techniques of the present embodiments described herein,first autonomous vehicle 122 is equipped with at least one set ofequipment that is specific to the selected activity (e.g., camping).With this arrangement, user 130 can take a first route 402 to travel todestination 400, while first autonomous vehicle 122 takes a second route404 to travel to destination 400.

As can be seen in FIG. 4 , first route 402 to destination 400 taken byuser 130 is different than second route 404 to destination 400 taken byfirst autonomous vehicle 122. Thus, user 130 does not need to rentand/or pull a trailer or camper to destination 400 to be able to enjoythe one or more activities to be performed at destination 400. Instead,user 130 can travel to destination 400 along any route and using anyvehicle.

When user 130 arrives at destination 400, first autonomous vehicle 122,which is equipped with at least one set of equipment that is specific tothe user-selected one or more activities to be performed at destination400, is waiting and ready for user 130. Thus, user 130 does not need tobring equipment to destination 400 because it will be provided withequipped first autonomous vehicle 122. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 ,first autonomous vehicle 122 is equipped with first set of equipment 302associated with first activity 300 (e.g., camping). When user 130arrives at destination 400, user 130 can unpack first set of equipment302 from first autonomous vehicle 122 to use for the selected activity.In this embodiment, user 130 has selected camping as an activity andfirst set of equipment 302 included with first autonomous vehicle 122can include at least tent 304, axe 306, and sleeping bag 308.

It should be understood that the equipment included in first set ofequipment 302 is merely exemplary. A user can select any number ofpieces of equipment to be included with the equipped autonomous vehiclethat is instructed to meet the user at the user's selected destination.Additionally, a user can select more than one activity with the requestso that multiple sets of equipment are provided with the equippedautonomous vehicle. For example, in FIG. 5 , first autonomous vehicle122 is equipped with first set of equipment 302 associated with firstactivity 300 (e.g., camping). In some embodiments, user 130 can selectother activities, such as second activity 310 (e.g., fishing), in whichcase first autonomous vehicle 122 is also equipped with second set ofequipment 312 (including fishing pole 314, pair of waders 316, andtackle box 318) to use at destination 400.

In some embodiments, the equipped autonomous vehicle (e.g., firstautonomous vehicle 122) can be provided with a security orauthentication mechanism to unlock the equipped autonomous vehicle. Forexample, user 130 can use user interface 200, described above, toconfirm the user's identity and/or location at destination 400 in orderto unlock equipped first autonomous vehicle 122. The security mechanismcan be any type of authentication mechanism, for example, a password,temporary code, two-factor authentication, token, NFC, biometricauthentication, or other security feature so that the user and/orequipped autonomous vehicle service provider 110 can be sure that theequipment included in the equipped autonomous vehicle has not beentampered with and/or no unauthorized people have access to the equippedautonomous vehicle.

In addition, in some embodiments, the equipped autonomous vehicle can beconfigured for use by the user at the destination. For example, theequipped autonomous vehicle can be in the form of a camper, recreationalvehicle (RV), or other vehicle capable of providing shelter orliving/sleeping areas for a user.

In some embodiments, when a user is finished using the equipmentprovided with the equipped autonomous vehicle, the user only needs toplace the equipment back into the equipped autonomous vehicle, whichwill then return to a designated service center or other destination forcleaning and re-equipping for other users. Referring now to FIG. 6 , anexample embodiment of a method of returning an equipped autonomousvehicle from a destination is shown.

In this embodiment, after user 130 has finished using first set ofequipment 302 included with first autonomous vehicle 122, user 130 onlyneeds to return each piece of equipment from first set of equipment 302back into first autonomous vehicle 122. In some embodiments, user 130can send a notification or confirmation to equipped autonomous vehicleservice provider 110 that user 130 has finished, for example, throughuser interface 200. Upon receiving the notification from user 130,equipped autonomous vehicle service provider 110 can instruct firstautonomous vehicle 122 to travel to a service center 600 fromdestination 400. In some embodiments, service center 600 is configuredto remove the set of equipment (e.g., first set of equipment 302) fromthe equipped autonomous vehicle (e.g., first autonomous vehicle 122).

Once the equipment is removed, service center 600 can clean firstautonomous vehicle 122 and/or the equipment, including performing anyneeded maintenance or repairs, and can store first set of equipment 302for subsequent use. In some embodiments, service center 600 can also beconfigured to re-equip the autonomous vehicle (e.g., first autonomousvehicle 122) based on a request received from a new user.

In some embodiments, an equipped autonomous vehicle can be configured tostop at one or more intermediate destinations prior to reaching thedestination selected by the user. For example, an autonomous vehicle canbe equipped at the one or more intermediate destinations and/or variouspieces of equipment can be located or stored at different locations.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , an alternate embodiment of a method ofproviding an equipped autonomous vehicle to a destination is shown. Inthis embodiment, first autonomous vehicle 122 has been instructed totravel to destination 400 to provide first set of equipment 302 to user130, as described above. In this example, first autonomous vehicle 122first travels to an intermediate destination, service center 600, toobtain first set of equipment 302 before continuing to destination 400.With this arrangement, a plurality of service centers that store variousdifferent pieces of equipment can be geographically spread out across anarea so that one or more autonomous vehicles of plurality of autonomousvehicles 120 can use the service centers to obtain the equipmentassociated with a request by a user. By instructing the autonomousvehicle to travel to the one or more intermediate destinations beforearriving at the user's requested destination, the autonomous vehicle canbe equipped with the specific set or sets of equipment for theactivities selected by a user.

In some embodiments, additional suppliers or vendors can providedifferent types or kinds of equipment or supplies to the equippedautonomous vehicle. For example, first autonomous vehicle 122 can travelto at least one secondary service center or supplier to retrieveperishables, such as food, bait, water, or other consumer goods, thatcan be requested by the user for use at destination 400. In otherembodiments, perishables can be provided at service center 600 or otherlocation where the equipped autonomous vehicle retrieves the selectedequipment.

Additionally, in other embodiments, the techniques of the presentembodiments can be used to instruct an autonomous vehicle to pick up orobtain other items along its route to a destination. For example, anautonomous vehicle can be instructed to obtain items from a centralwarehouse or multiple warehouses. In addition, the equipped autonomousvehicle of the example embodiments can also be used to deliver and/orretrieve other items. For example, the techniques described herein canbe used to autonomously deliver and/or retrieve seasonal items (e.g.,holiday decorations), building supplies and tools, or other haulingtasks.

Referring now to FIG. 8 , a flowchart of an example embodiment of amethod 800 for providing an equipped autonomous vehicle to a destinationis shown. In an example embodiment, method 800 can be implemented byequipped autonomous vehicle service provider 110, described above. Asshown in FIG. 8 , method 800 can being at an operation 802 where arequest is received from a user for an equipped autonomous vehicle. Therequest can include at least one selected activity and a destination.For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , user 130 has sent a request toequipped autonomous vehicle service provider 110 to have an equippedautonomous vehicle meet user 130 at a destination 400 and has chosencamping as at least one selected activity. It should be understood thatthe request can include additional information and/or criteria, forexample, as described above in reference to user interface 200 shown inFIG. 2 .

Next, method 800 can include an operation 804. At operation 804, basedon the request in operation 802, a set of equipment for the at least oneselected activity is determined. For example, as described in referenceto the embodiment of FIG. 4 , user 130 indicated camping as a selectedactivity for destination 400. At operation 804, therefore, first set ofequipment 302 that is specific to the selected first activity 300 (e.g.,camping) is determined. As described above, in an example embodiment,first set of equipment 302 associated with camping can include at leasttent 304, axe 306, and sleeping bag 308.

Method 800 further can include an operation 806, where the equippedautonomous vehicle is provided with the set of equipment for the atleast one selected activity. For example, in response to the requestfrom user 130, first autonomous vehicle 122 is equipped with at leastone set of equipment that is specific to the selected activity (e.g.,camping).

Next, method 800 can include an operation 808. At operation 808, theequipped autonomous vehicle is instructed to travel to the destinationrequested by the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , equippedautonomous vehicle service provider 110 has instructed first autonomousvehicle 122 to travel to destination 400 to meet user 130. In someembodiments, the instruction from equipped autonomous vehicle serviceprovider 110 to first autonomous vehicle 122 can include routing ornavigation information for a particular route to destination 400. Inother embodiments, first autonomous vehicle 122 can have self-containedrouting or navigation capabilities or can communicate with a third partyor other entity to receive routing or navigation information to arriveat destination 400.

Method 800 can end upon sending or providing the instruction to theequipped autonomous vehicle to travel to the destination. In otherembodiments, method 800 can be implemented again for a new or additionalrequest from the same or different users. In addition, in someembodiments, method 800 can include one or more additional or optionaloperations. For example, in some cases, method 800 can include anoperation 810 where a notification is received from the user that theuser has finished using the equipped autonomous vehicle. For example, asdescribed above in reference to FIG. 6 , once user 130 has finishedusing equipped first autonomous vehicle 122, user 130 can send anotification to equipped autonomous vehicle service provider 110 toinform equipped autonomous vehicle service provider 110 that user 130has finished. In some embodiments, user 130 can send the notificationvia user interface 200, described above.

Method 800 can also include an operation 812. At operation 812, inresponse to receiving the notification from the user at operation 810,the equipped autonomous vehicle service provider can instruct theequipped autonomous vehicle to travel to a service center from thedestination requested by the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 ,equipped autonomous vehicle service provider 110 can instruct firstautonomous vehicle 122 to travel to service center 600 from destination400 upon receiving a notification from user 130 that user 130 hasfinished using first autonomous vehicle 122.

In addition, in some cases, instructing the equipped autonomous vehicleto travel to the destination requested by the user (e.g., operation 808)can further include instructing the autonomous vehicle to travel to atleast one intermediate destination prior to traveling to thedestination. For example, as described in reference to FIG. 7 above.

In some embodiments, a service provider (e.g., equipped autonomousvehicle service provider 110) can be a third party contractor or otherentity that cooperates with an owner/operator of a fleet of autonomousvehicles (e.g., plurality of autonomous vehicles 120). Additionally, oneor more service centers (e.g., service center 600) that are configuredto store, clean, maintain, and provide the pieces of equipment to equipthe autonomous vehicles based on the user's request can be provided thesame entity as the service provider or can be a third party contractoror other entity that cooperates with the service provider (e.g.,equipped autonomous vehicle service provider 110). For example, one ormore of the service centers can be outdoor equipment vendors or rentalcompanies that are contracted to provide certain equipment.

The concepts of the present disclosure can be applied to other types ofactivities and destinations. For example the activities can be tasks,jobs or projects and the destinations can be job sites, with theequipment being tools and supplies for completion of the task, job orproject.

In some embodiments, an autonomous vehicle, such as one or more ofplurality of autonomous vehicles 120, can be provided as a companionautonomous vehicle to another vehicle, device, or user. That is, thecompanion autonomous vehicle can be virtually tethered to the vehicle,device, or user so that the companion autonomous vehicle stays within apredetermined range of the vehicle, device, or user, including followingbehind, traveling/scouting ahead, or otherwise nearby. With thisconfiguration, the companion autonomous vehicle can be configured toprovide additional or supplemental functionality or services to avehicle, device, or user. In some embodiments, the companion autonomousvehicle can be equipped with equipment, as described in the exampleembodiments above. In other embodiments, the companion autonomousvehicle can be provided with other items, services, or functionality, aswill be described below with reference to FIGS. 9-14 . It should also beunderstood that in various embodiments, an autonomous vehicle accordingto the techniques described herein can include one or more features ofthe present embodiments alone or in combination with other describedfeatures.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , a representative view of an example embodimentof a companion autonomous vehicle 900 is shown tethered to a vehicle902. In some embodiments, companion autonomous vehicle 900 can beconfigured to stay within a predetermined range of vehicle 902. In thismanner, companion autonomous vehicle 900 and vehicle 902 are virtuallytethered to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , companionautonomous vehicle 900 and vehicle 902 are associated with a virtualtether 904 such that companion autonomous vehicle 900 is configured tofollow the movements of vehicle 902 at a predetermined distance D1behind vehicle 902.

In some embodiments, companion autonomous vehicle 900 can be configuredto receive vehicle telemetry information from one or more systems invehicle 902, such as from a telematics control unit (TCU) or EngineControl unit (ECU), to assist companion autonomous vehicle 900 followthe movements of vehicle 902. For example, companion autonomous vehicle900 can receive turn signal information from vehicle 902 so thatcompanion autonomous vehicle 900 can prepare to change lanes or make aturn. Companion autonomous vehicle 900 can also receive informationassociated with speed and/or braking from vehicle 902, as well as otherinformation, such as global positioning system (GPS) routing ordestination data.

In an example embodiment, companion autonomous vehicle 900 can use oneor more sensors to recognize and follow vehicle 902. For example,companion autonomous vehicle 900 can use a camera or other image sensorto read and recognize a license plate associated with vehicle 902 tofollow predetermined distance D1 behind vehicle 902. In otherembodiments, companion autonomous vehicle 900 can use wirelesscommunication technology, such as WiFi, cellular, Bluetooth, etc., toestablish and maintain virtual tether 904 at predetermined distance D1behind vehicle 902. Using virtual tether 904, companion autonomousvehicle 900 can follow vehicle 902 as vehicle 902 drives to adestination. With this arrangement, companion autonomous vehicle 900allows the user of vehicle 902 to haul equipment, supplies, materials,or other items or goods that would not otherwise fit inside vehicle 902to a destination.

In this embodiment, companion autonomous vehicle 900 is configured tofollow vehicle 902. In other embodiments, however, companion autonomousvehicle 900 can be configured with virtual tether 904 to follow otherobjects or users. For example, in one embodiment, companion autonomousvehicle 900 can be connected or linked via a data connection usingwireless communication technology, such as WiFi, cellular, Bluetooth,etc., to establish and maintain virtual tether 904 with other objects orusers, including, but not limited to: cell phones or tablets, robotcompanions or other small vehicles (i.e., drones, cycles, scooters,etc.), wearable devices worn by a user, or any other device that can belinked via the data connection to companion autonomous vehicle 900. Instill other embodiments, companion autonomous vehicle 900 can beconfigured to follow a geo-set location, for example, to travel along aroute including various waypoints to a destination.

In this embodiment, companion autonomous vehicle 900 follows vehicle 902at predetermined distance D1 behind vehicle 902. In other embodiments,virtual tether 904 can allow companion autonomous vehicle 900 to staywithin a predetermined range of the vehicle, device, or user (e.g.,vehicle 902), including, following behind, traveling/scouting ahead, orotherwise maintaining predetermined distance D1 nearby.

Additionally, while the present embodiments are described with referenceto a single companion autonomous vehicle (e.g., companion autonomousvehicle 900), in some embodiments, more than one companion autonomousvehicle can be provided with a virtual tether to a vehicle, device, oruser. With this arrangement, the capacity for hauling items or objectscan be increased and/or companion autonomous vehicles with differentfunctionalities and/or features can be provided.

Referring now to FIG. 10 , a block diagram of an example embodiment ofcomponents of companion autonomous vehicle 900 is shown. It should beunderstood that the components of companion autonomous vehicle 900 shownin this embodiment are exemplary, and a companion autonomous vehicleprovided according to the techniques described herein can includeadditional or different components. For example, in some cases, thecomponents included in the companion autonomous vehicle can be based onthe feature or function that the companion autonomous vehicle is toprovide to a vehicle, device, or user.

In this embodiment, companion autonomous vehicle 900 includes at leastan autonomous driving system 1000, a communication interface 1010, asuite of sensors 1020, and a processor 1030 that is configured tocommunicate with and/or control each of autonomous driving system 1000,communication interface 1010, and suite of sensors 1020 during operationof companion autonomous vehicle 900. For example, processor 1030 can beconfigured to communicate with and/or control the other systems incompanion autonomous vehicle 900 (e.g., autonomous driving system 1000,communication interface 1010, and/or suite of sensors 1020) over acommunications bus 1032 employing data communication technology, such asa controller area network (CAN), automotive Ethernet, or other datacommunication technology.

In an example embodiment, autonomous driving system 1000 includesvarious subsystems and components configured to allow companionautonomous vehicle 900 to travel autonomously. For example, in thisembodiment, autonomous driving system 1000 includes at least a steeringsystem 1002 that is configured to control the direction or orientationof the steerable wheels of companion autonomous vehicle 900. In thisembodiment, autonomous driving system 1000 also includes a propulsionsystem 1004 that is configured to control the movement (i.e., speedand/or braking) of companion autonomous vehicle 900. In one embodiment,propulsion system 1004 can include a motor, such as one or more electricmotors, a combustion engine, or a hybrid engine/motor system, to providea driving force to one or more wheels of companion autonomous vehicle900, as well as a brake system, such as a conventional or regenerativebraking system, to provide a stopping force to one or more wheels ofcompanion autonomous vehicle 900.

In some embodiments, communication interface 1010 can include componentsfor communicating with other vehicles, devices, users, etc. using one ormore forms of wireless communication technology. For example, in thisembodiment, communication interface 1010 includes at least a cellularmodule 1012 configured to allow companion autonomous vehicle 900 toreceive and/or transmit using various cellular communicationtechnologies, such as 3G, 4G, 5G, etc. wireless networks. Additionally,communication interface 1010 can further include a WiFi module 1014configured to allow companion autonomous vehicle 900 to receive and/ortransmit using short-range wireless communication technologies. In otherembodiments, communication interface 1010 can include other forms ofwireless communication technology, including components that allowcompanion autonomous vehicle 900 to communicate using Wireless Wide AreaNetworks (WWAN), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), and/or other formsof wireless communication technology.

In some embodiments, companion autonomous vehicle 900 can be providedwith suite of sensors 1020 that are configured to detect and monitorobjects and surroundings near companion autonomous vehicle 900, as wellas determine location, orientation, speed, heading, and otherinformation associated with the position and/or movement of companionautonomous vehicle 900. In this embodiment, suite of sensors 1020includes at least a camera 1022, a LIDAR system 1024, and a GPS sensor1026. In other embodiments, suite of sensors 1020 can include othersensors used to assist companion autonomous vehicle 900 during operationand travel.

As described above, a companion autonomous vehicle (e.g., companionautonomous vehicle 900) can be provided with various capabilities and/orfunctionalities to assist another vehicle, device, or user. In someembodiments, the companion autonomous vehicle can be configured toassist with extending a range or travel distance of an electric vehicle.Referring now to FIG. 11 , an example embodiment of companion autonomousvehicle 900 providing wireless charging to an electric vehicle 1100 isshown.

In this embodiment, companion autonomous vehicle 900 is configured tofollow electric vehicle 1100 via a virtual tether, as described above,to stay within a predetermined distance or range of electric vehicle1100. In an example embodiment, companion autonomous vehicle 900 isprovided with one or more batteries 1102 that store electric charge thatcan be wirelessly supplied to electric vehicle 1100 to provide chargingto batteries on board electric vehicle 1100 and/or to supply electricityto one or more electric motors associated with electric vehicle 1100.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , batteries 1102 on companionautonomous vehicle 900 provide a wireless charge 1104 that istransmitted to electric vehicle 1100 as companion autonomous vehicle 900travels along with electric vehicle 1100. Wireless charge 1104 can beprovided using a vehicle-to-vehicle wireless charging system, such asthe vehicle-to-vehicle wireless charging system described in U.S. Pat.No. 9,630,516, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. In embodiments that include vehicle-to-vehiclewireless charging, each participating vehicle (e.g., companionautonomous vehicle 900 and electric vehicle 1100) includes thecomponents of the vehicle-to-vehicle wireless charging system that allowcompanion autonomous vehicle 900 to provide wireless charge 1104 andelectric vehicle 1100 to receive wireless charge 1104.

With this configuration, the companion autonomous vehicle (e.g.,companion autonomous vehicle 900) can be provided to assist withextending the range or capacity of an electric vehicle (e.g., electricvehicle 1100) without requiring the electric vehicle to find or stop atelectric charging stations along its travel route. In addition, in someembodiments, multiple companion autonomous vehicles can be provided tosupply an electric vehicle with additional electric charge.

In another embodiment, companion autonomous vehicle 900 can be providedwith additional items or services that can be used or purchased by auser. For example, as described above with reference to previousembodiments, an autonomous vehicle can be equipped with variousequipment for different activities as requested or ordered by a user,such as for camping. In these embodiments, the autonomous vehicle canfurther include other items or services that are available for purchaseby the user. Referring now to FIG. 12 , a schematic view of an exampleembodiment of companion autonomous vehicle 900 with a point-of-salefeature is shown.

As shown in FIG. 12 , companion autonomous vehicle 900 is located at acampsite 1200. In this embodiment, companion autonomous vehicle 900 caninclude equipment for a selected activity at campsite 1200, such ascamping (e.g., tent 304, axe 306, and sleeping bag 308 shown in FIG. 5 )in accordance with the previous embodiments, described above. In somecases, a user can realize or determine that additional equipment orsupplies can be useful or necessary at campsite 1200. According to thepresent embodiment, companion autonomous vehicle 900 is provided with apoint-of-sale interface 1202 that allows a user to purchase or rentadditional equipment or supplies that have not been included with theequipment in the equipped companion autonomous vehicle 900.

In an example embodiment, companion autonomous vehicle 900 can include asecure storage area or other partition within the interior of companionautonomous vehicle 900 that can be accessed by a user upon making apurchase through point-of-sale interface 1202. For example, a user canuse point-of-sale interface 1202 of companion autonomous vehicle 900 topurchase water, food, firewood, fuel, etc. while at campsite 1200. Theuser can provide a credit card or other form of payment to a paymentterminal 1204 associated with point-of-sale interface 1202 of companionautonomous vehicle 900 to purchase the additional supplies or services.Upon acceptance of payment via payment terminal 1204, companionautonomous vehicle 900 can unlock or open the secure storage area withincompanion autonomous vehicle 900 so that the user can retrieve thepurchased supplies.

In other embodiments, companion autonomous vehicle 900 can include apreset package or group of supplies based on the selected activity forthe autonomous vehicle and any supplies that are used or removed fromcompanion autonomous vehicle 900 are charged to the user's account orbilled after the user's trip has been completed. With this arrangement,a user can conveniently acquire additional supplies or services while ata location without requiring further travel to other destinations.

As described above, in some embodiments, a companion autonomous vehicle(e.g., companion autonomous vehicle 900) can be configured to travelahead of another vehicle, device, or user. That is, the virtual tetherbetween the companion autonomous vehicle and the vehicle, device, oruser can include traveling in front of or scouting ahead by apredetermined distance. Referring now to FIG. 13 , example embodiment ofcompanion autonomous vehicle 900 tethered to a user 1304 is shown.

In an example embodiment, companion autonomous vehicle 900 can belocated in an off-road environment 1300 that includes a trail 1302. Inthis embodiment, user 1304 is a hiker that is virtually tethered tocompanion autonomous vehicle 900 in a scout mode such that companionautonomous vehicle 900 travels ahead of or in front of user 1304 by apredetermined distance. For example, user 1304 can be tethered tocompanion autonomous vehicle 900 by a mobile device held by user 1304 ora wearable device worn on user 1304 that is in communication withcompanion autonomous vehicle 900.

In this embodiment, companion autonomous vehicle 900 is configured totravel on trail 1302 in front of user 1304 through off-road environment1300. With this arrangement, companion autonomous vehicle 900 can useon-board sensors (e.g., one or more sensors of suite of sensors 1020) todetect hazards and/or conditions on trail 1302 to assist user 1304 withnavigating on trail 1302 through off-road environment 1300.Additionally, in other embodiments, companion autonomous vehicle 900 canbe used in scout mode to travel ahead of another vehicle, device, oruser in other types of environments.

In another embodiment, a companion autonomous vehicle (e.g., companionautonomous vehicle 900) can be provided with services, such as cellularcommunication capabilities, that can be used by a user at a location.Referring now to FIG. 14 , a schematic view of an example embodiment ofcompanion autonomous vehicle 900 at campsite 1200 is shown. In thisembodiment, companion autonomous vehicle 900 includes a cellularcommunication component 1400. For example, as described above, cellularcommunication component 1400 can be part of communication interface1010.

In some embodiments, cellular communication component 1400 of companionautonomous vehicle 900 can be configured to provide a user withcommunication capabilities at a remote location, such as campsite 1200.For example, in some areas, the cellular capabilities of hand-helddevices, such as mobile phones, are not sufficiently powerful totransmit or receive. In these situations, cellular communicationcomponent 1400 of companion autonomous vehicle 900 can be betterequipped to provide communication capabilities to a user at campsite1200.

In this embodiment, cellular communication component 1400 of companionautonomous vehicle 900 can include an emergency services interface 1402that allows a user at campsite 1200 to request or contact emergencypersonnel, such as medical services 1404, fire and rescue services 1406,and/or police or law enforcement services 1408. Using cellularcommunication component 1400 of companion autonomous vehicle 900, a usercan be connected to one or more emergency services that can be needed atthe location, such as campsite 1200. For example, as shown in FIG. 14 ,a user can use emergency services interface 1402 of companion autonomousvehicle 900 to contact fire and rescue services 1406 to report a forestfire at campsite 1200. With this configuration, companion autonomousvehicle 900 can provide a way for users to receive assistance in an areawhere mobile devices do not have sufficient cellular capabilities.

Additionally, in other embodiments, cellular communication component1400 of companion autonomous vehicle 900 can be configured for otheruses beyond contacting emergency services. For example, in someembodiments, cellular communication component 1400 of companionautonomous vehicle 900 can act as a cellular data connection for one ormore devices associated with a user at the location (e.g., campsite1200). In this manner, cellular communication component 1400 ofcompanion autonomous vehicle 900 can provide users with cellular networkconnections in an area where mobile devices do not have sufficientcellular capabilities on their own.

While various embodiments have been described, the description isintended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments andimplementations are possible that are within the scope of the claims.Additionally, one or more of the various embodiments described above canbe combined in part or in whole in accordance with the principlesdescribed herein. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restrictedexcept in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also,various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of theattached claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for providing services by acompanion autonomous vehicle at a location, the method comprising:providing at least one companion autonomous vehicle to travel to alocation using a propulsion system to provide a driving force and astopping force to one or more wheels of the companion autonomousvehicle; including at least one first set of equipment for a selectedactivity at the location on the at least one companion autonomousvehicle; including at least one second set of equipment for anotheractivity that is different from the selected activity within a securestorage area of the at least one companion autonomous vehicle, whereinthe at least one second set of equipment is separated from the at leastone first set of equipment within the at least one companion autonomousvehicle; equipping the at least one companion autonomous vehicle with acellular communication component to allow the at least one companionautonomous vehicle to communicate using a cellular communicationnetwork; providing at least a point-of-sale interface on the at leastone companion autonomous vehicle that uses the cellular communicationcomponent to communicate over the cellular communication network,wherein the point-of-sale interface is configured to provide access tothe secure store area within the at least one companion autonomousvehicle; and upon acceptance of payment from a user through a paymentterminal of the point-of-sale interface, unlocking or opening the securestorage area of the at least one companion autonomous vehicle so thatthe user may retrieve the at least one second set of equipment.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: providing an emergency servicesinterface on the at least one companion autonomous vehicle that uses thecellular communication component to communicate over the cellularcommunication network; and wherein the emergency services interface isconfigured to contact at least one of medical services, fire and rescueservices, or police or law enforcement services.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein the point-of-sale interface is further configured to allow apurchase of supplies stored on board the companion autonomous vehicle.4. The method of claim 1, wherein the cellular communication componentis further configured to provide a data connection for one or moredevices to the cellular communication network.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the at least one second set of equipment is provided onboard thecompanion autonomous vehicle for rental at the location.
 6. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: instructing the companion autonomousvehicle to travel from a service center to the location; wherein the atleast one first set of equipment for the selected activity is equippedonboard the companion autonomous vehicle at the service center.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the companion autonomous vehicle furtherincludes additional supplies onboard the companion autonomous vehicleseparate from the at least one first set of equipment that are availablefor purchase using the point-of-sale interface.
 8. The method of claim7, wherein the additional supplies are stored in the secure storage areaor other partition within an interior of the companion autonomousvehicle.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: upon receiving anotification from a user that the user has finished using the companionautonomous vehicle, instructing the companion autonomous vehicle totravel to a service center from the location; and wherein the servicecenter is configured to remove and clean the at least one first set ofequipment from the companion autonomous vehicle.
 10. The method of claim8, wherein a user of the companion autonomous vehicle is charged for anyof the additional supplies upon return of the companion autonomousvehicle to a service center from the location.
 11. A companionautonomous vehicle comprising: an autonomous driving system includingsteering and propulsion capabilities; a communication interfaceincluding a cellular communication component to allow the at least onecompanion autonomous vehicle to communicate using a cellularcommunication network; a point-of-sale interface on the companionautonomous vehicle that uses the cellular communication component tocommunicate over the cellular communication network; at least one firstset of equipment for a selected activity to be used at the location; asecure storage area onboard the companion autonomous vehicle, the securestorage area including at least one second set of equipment for anotheractivity that is different from the selected activity, wherein the atleast one second set of equipment is separated from the at least onefirst set of equipment within the companion autonomous vehicle; whereinthe point-of-sale interface is configured to provide access to thesecure store area; a suite of sensors including one or more of a camera,a LIDAR sensor, or a global positioning system (GPS) sensor; and aprocessor in communication with at least the autonomous driving system,the communication interface, the point-of-sale interface, and the suiteof sensors; wherein the processor is configured to: receive instructionsto travel to a location; operate the companion autonomous vehicle usingthe autonomous driving system and the suite of sensors to travel along aroute to the location; provide services to a user at the locationthrough the point-of-sale interface; and upon acceptance of payment froma user through a payment terminal of the point-of-sale interface, unlockor open the secure storage area so that the user may retrieve the atleast one second set of equipment.
 12. The companion autonomous vehicleof claim 11, further comprising: an emergency services interface thatuses the cellular communication component to communicate over thecellular communication network; and wherein the emergency servicesinterface is configured to contact at least one of medical services,fire and rescue services, or police or law enforcement services.
 13. Thecompanion autonomous vehicle of claim 11, wherein the point-of-saleinterface is further configured to allow a purchase of supplies storedon board the companion autonomous vehicle.
 14. The companion autonomousvehicle of claim 11, wherein the cellular communication component isfurther configured to provide a data connection for one or more devicesto the cellular communication network.
 15. The companion autonomousvehicle of claim 11, wherein the at least one second set of equipment isprovided for rental at the location.
 16. The companion autonomousvehicle of claim 11, wherein the companion autonomous vehicle isconfigured to travel from a service center to the location; and whereinthe at least one first set of equipment for the selected activity isequipped onboard the companion autonomous vehicle at the service center.17. The companion autonomous vehicle of claim 11, further comprising:additional supplies onboard the companion autonomous vehicle separatefrom the at least one first set of equipment that are available forpurchase using the point-of-sale interface.
 18. The companion autonomousvehicle of claim 17, wherein the additional supplies are stored in thesecure storage area or other partition within an interior of thecompanion autonomous vehicle.
 19. The companion autonomous vehicle ofclaim 18, wherein the processor is further configured to: upon receivinga notification from a user that the user has finished using thecompanion autonomous vehicle, instruct the companion autonomous vehicleto travel to a service center from the location; and wherein the servicecenter is configured to remove and clean the at least one first set ofequipment from the companion autonomous vehicle.
 20. The companionautonomous vehicle of claim 18, wherein a user of the companionautonomous vehicle is charged for any of the additional supplies uponreturn of the companion autonomous vehicle to a service center from thelocation.